Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Renewable Energy Ordinance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bluff planning commission agrees to pursue SolSmart help drafting renewable-energy ordinance
Summary
The Town of Bluff Planning and Zoning Commission agreed to enroll in the SolSmart program and to assign two commission members as primary contacts to work with SolSmart staff on a draft renewable-energy ordinance and related checklists. The group outlined a timeline that could put a draft before a public hearing this fall.
The Town of Bluff Planning and Zoning Commission on July 17 agreed to pursue enrollment in the SolSmart technical-assistance program and to have a two-person working team refine a draft renewable-energy ordinance with SolSmart staff.
Commission Chair Amanda Podmore said commissioners Malia and Marsha met with a SolSmart advisor who reviewed the commission's draft ordinance and offered to help revise definitions, charts and a permanent permit checklist that would guide building-department review. Podmore said SolSmart’s assistance is free and that the program would work with a designated local point person and a second contact so commission members avoid forming a quorum while working on drafts.
The commission discussed scope: SolSmart materials can cover solar, wind, geothermal and battery storage if the town prefers a single “green energy” ordinance with clear definitions for each technology. Town staff noted SolSmart often provides glare/glint guidance only when the FAA requires it for airports and said the program is funded through the Department of Energy and is prioritizing communities to complete work by the end of the year.
Multiple commissioners voiced support for moving forward quickly if there is no financial commitment. Commissioners agreed to proceed with enrollment and to designate two commissioners as the primary contacts to receive materials and work with SolSmart; Malia agreed to be a contact with Marsha as co‑lead (roles and backups were discussed). Staff said SolSmart can begin working with the town as soon as next week and that a draft could be produced within about a month, and that any ordinance would still require the town’s normal public hearing process before adoption.
The commission planned to coordinate the ordinance timeline with other fall hearings, noting a potential public hearing window with the general plan process in October. No formal vote was recorded in the transcript; the outcome was a commission consensus to enroll and proceed with a two-person working group to collaborate with SolSmart.
